Dielectric Elastomer Actuators with Carbon Nanotube Electrodes Painted with a Soft Brush
We propose a simple methodology to paint carbon nanotube (CNT) powder with a soft brush onto an elastomer. A large deformation of dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) occurs according to the small constraint of the electrodes. Uniform painting with a soft brush leads to a stable deformation, as demon...
Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
MDPI AG
2018-08-01
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Series: | Actuators |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://www.mdpi.com/2076-0825/7/3/51 |
Summary: | We propose a simple methodology to paint carbon nanotube (CNT) powder with a soft brush onto an elastomer. A large deformation of dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) occurs according to the small constraint of the electrodes. Uniform painting with a soft brush leads to a stable deformation, as demonstrated by the results of multiple trials. Unexpectedly, painting with a soft brush results in aligned materials on the elastomer. The oriented materials demonstrate anisotropic mechanical and electronic properties. This simple methodology should help realize innovative DEA applications. |
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ISSN: | 2076-0825 |